We have all recently lost another wonderful person from the Utopia Region, Lindsay Bird Mpetyane. He was a truly special individual.

When I met him on that first occasion, his older brother Tommy (Ada Bird’s husband) had only recently passed away. This left Lindsay as the "Boss man" of his clan and country (Ilkawerne), a role he embraced wholeheartedly. Lindsay was an exceptional leader, dedicated to teaching others about his culture. He wanted people to understand and appreciate his heritage. He commanded the full respect, love and confidence of everyone around him, embodying the qualities of a true and inspiring leader.

Lindsay with 6 of his extended family many years ago (2012)

Lindsay pulling a few 'funnies' with the kids (2002)

Lindsay holding a spear - pretty proud of himself here! (2000)

Having a relax! (2000)

Lindsay was also a devoted supporter of the Mulga Bore Magpies football and softball teams, demonstrating his deep commitment to his community in various aspects of life.

In the arts, Lindsay stood out as the only male artist, as far as I know, who engaged in the Utopia Batik movement in the early 1980s. He was also a significant figure in the acrylic on canvas trend, becoming well-known for his traditional style paintings. His contributions to the arts were immense and his legacy in this field is profound. Lindsay’s dedication to preserving and promoting his culture through his art continues to inspire many.

Myself with Lindsay asking him some questions about the story of his newly completed painting (2007)

As a teacher, Lindsay ran the young men’s business camps where boys became men, learning the ways of their clan and ancestors. These camps were crucial for imparting traditional knowledge and practices, ensuring the continuity of cultural heritage. Lindsay was passionate about sharing his wisdom and would eagerly talk to anyone willing to listen about plant life, animals and the 'olden days'. His storytelling and teachings were invaluable, fostering a deep connection between the younger generation and their cultural roots. Lindsay's dedication to education and cultural preservation left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of learning from him.

Lindsay chatting about bush bananas (2013)

Discussing the flower of the bush plum, an important story for Lindsay (2013)

Lindsay sharing the importance of this rockhole to his ancestors

Lindsay teaching the traditional method of fire hardening and strengthening spears (2006)

A good example of Lindsay Bird Mpetyane stepping outside the norm occurred in the year 2000. Our gallery was invited to give an Aboriginal Arts and Culture presentation at a Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) University in Sydney. When I told Lindsay about this opportunity, he initially didn't say much. However, a few days later, he came back to me with a clear desire to participate and give a talk on Churinga stones (Sacred stones).

In his broken English, Lindsay sat cross-legged on the floor of a large room in Sydney and captivated an audience of around 70 or 80 people who had traveled from all over the world to attend this YPO University. He had one strict rule: no Aboriginal women could be present during the presentation, which meant that Barbara Weir, Ada Bird and Gloria Petyarre, who had also travelled with us, had to leave the room.

Why did he want to give such a presentation, you might ask? Lindsay felt it was important that his culture was accurately represented and shared with the world. "Old people die, and it’s all gone!" he would often say to me. He believed passionately in the importance of passing down cultural knowledge correctly, ensuring that the traditions and stories of his people were preserved for future generations. His presentation on Churinga stones was a powerful example of his dedication to this mission.

One funny story from about 20 years ago still makes me smile. Lindsay came into town specifically to meet with me. A staff member knocked on my office door and said that Lindsay was here to see me, but he wouldn't say why - just that it was important. So I told her to bring him up, and a few minutes later, Lindsay sat down with me and said, "Tim, we old friends - you gotta help me!"

I asked, "Well, what's the matter, Lindsay?"

He sighed and said, "My daughters (three teenage girls) don't listen to me! You gotta help me make them listen to me!"

I looked seriously at him and replied, "Lindsay, I have four daughters and none of them listen to me either - you gotta help me!"

We both burst out laughing and had a good yarn over a cup of tea about life's philosophies. Somehow, the angels who keep an eye on us must have been listening because all seven daughters managed to survive those teenage years and become good family and community members. It was a moment that underscored our friendship and the shared experiences of parenthood, no matter how different our backgrounds might have been.

Lindsay's daughter Rosie, Lindsay, his wife Mavis and myself on one if his visits to our Gallery (2007)

Lindsay (left) with his great mate Kenny Tilmouth (2001)

Lindsay's sense of humor was one of his greatest qualities and I could share many moments! One memorable instance involved one of Lindsay’s Dreaming stories, "the seed of the Mulga Tree". His great mate Kenny Tilmouth, senior custodian of the country adjoining Lindsay’s, owns the "Mulga Tree" Dreaming.

Back in the early 1990s, Lindsay suggested that I film him and Kenny among some Mulga Trees so they could discuss their Dreamings. I agreed and brought along one of those old video cameras, as this was before mobile phones had cameras. We did this at Mulga Bore Outstation, which is about 200 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs.

I set up the camera, focused on Lindsay standing among the branches, and asked him a question. With a smile, he replied, "You better ask Kenny that one - he boss man for tree! I just boss man for seed!" The two of them continued in this manner for the next 20 or 30 minutes, playfully bantering and having a great time at my expense!

Lindsay is going to be sadly missed for a very long time. His spirit, no doubt, will continue to roam his lands, with wisdom and humour.

RIP old friend.

A personal favourite photo of Lindsay and myself (2014)